Effects of ethanol extract of Pisonia aculeata Linn. on ehrlich ascites carcinoma tumor bearing mice

Abstract

In order to scientifi cally appraise some of the anecdotal, folkloric, ethno medical uses of Pisonia aculeata Linn. (Nyctaginaceae), the present study was undertaken to examine the antitumor activity of Pisonia aculeata leaves extract on Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma (EAC) in mice. Tumor was induced in mice by intraperitoneal injection of Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma cells (1X106 cells/mouse). Ethanol extract of Pisonia aculeata (EEPA) was administered to the experimental animals at the doses of 250 & 500 mg/kg/day, p.o. Th e antitumor effect of the extract was evaluated by using survival time, hematological parameters, increase in body weight, solid tumour volume and peritoneal cell count. Oral administration of EEPA increased the survival time and inhibits the weight gain of the tumor bearing mice. After 14 days of inoculation, the extract also reduces the solid tumor volume developed by the EAC cells. Th e fi ndings of this study indicate that the EEPA possesses signifi cant antitumor activity on dose dependent manner.. Key words: Pisonia aculeata, ehrlich ascites carcinoma, hematological parameters, survival time, peritoneal cell count and solid tumor